This Is Your Personal Guide to Laguna Bliss

Sometimes, you just need a solo day. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or extrovert, a solo day can spark creativity, leave you with a new core memory or simply give you a chance to reconnect with yourself. Laguna Beach is the ideal destination to spend a day alone, taking in the charm and eclecticness of this seaside town while exploring the best restaurants, shops and beaches it has to offer. So take a drive up or down PCH (windows down with Jack Johnson on, obviously), bring your reusable tote bag (and maybe your film camera) and get ready to spend a day with you in Laguna Beach. 

 

9 a.m. 

Breakfast Smoothie at Active Culture

Start your day on the right foot with a nutrient-packed smoothie and ocean views. Active Culture is a local favorite where you can expect bare feet, cute pups and a health-focused menu. Order the Moonlight Mint Shake—made with organic housemade almond milk, organic frozen coconut, organic raw cacao powder, organic raw cacao nibs and fresh mint—or the Strawberry State of Mind, made with organic housemade almond milk, bananas, strawberries and agave, for a sweet start to your solo day.

 

10 a.m. 

Hot Girl Walk Along Main Beach Boardwalk 

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your hot girl walks are too. Take your hot girl walk into the fall season with a brisk stroll along the Main Beach Boardwalk. Put on your Alo sweatshirt, Airpods, the latest TSC podcast and look out at the water for a moment of gratitude that this is where your morning walk gets to be! You’ll pass by plenty of fluffy doodles as you walk up to the gazebo area that overlooks the ocean from above.

 

11 a.m.

Coffee + People-Watch at Laguna Coffee Co.

Okay, now it’s about time for an oat milk latte. Head over to the tried-and-true Laguna Coffee Co to get your caffeine fix for the day. Find a seat on the outdoor patio (with more ocean views), do a little people-watching and just chill out for a few. The best solo days are accompanied by a book and journal, so don’t forget to pack these in your bag. 

 

Noon

Treat Yourself to Flowers From The Salt Horse

This specialty local grocery screams artsy Laguna Beach. From fresh, seasonal produce to hand-curated goods, anyone who appreciates where their ingredients come from will love The Salt Horse. Located in the same building as Business + Pleasure Co. (warning: it’ll be hard not to buy a few beach essentials), pick up flowers for yourself and whatever else captures your eye—like an adorably branded hot sauce or a decadent chocolate bar. If you’re striving to support local purveyors, this is the place to do so. 

 

1 p.m. 

Baked Treat at Rye Goods

This solo day is only getting better! Next up on your itinerary is Rye Goods. We could go on and on about how much we love this organic sourdough bakery, but we think you should go see for yourself. With locations in Newport Beach, Tustin and now Laguna Beach, it’s safe to say the community agrees. Enjoy a seasonal apple cider donut or vegan pumpkin muffin, and pick up a bottle of natural orange wine for later. Fun fact: This location is the only one to offer a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. 

 

2 p.m. 

Explore the Treasure Island Tide Pools

Laguna Beach is known for its tide pools, so visiting for an hour or so is a must. Take the ramp down to the sand at Treasure Island Beach Park to discover the Treasure Island Tide Pools. Part of the Marine Protected Environment, the Laguna Beach Tide Pools are home to octopus, starfish, sea urchins and more. The water is clear and blue, giving visitors a great chance to spot these beautiful creatures. Keep in mind there is no touching or taking, and be mindful of the tide!

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4 p.m. 

Window Shop at Peppertree Lane

Located in an enchanting alley, you’ll find Laguna Beach landmark Peppertree Lane. Do a little window shopping (or real-life shopping—who’s stopping you?) and browse through La Rue du Chocolat and Sutton Place. It’s also home to Gelato Paradiso and The Saloon. The brick-paved alley and large trees give you a cozy vibe to continue on with your solo day. 

 

5:30 p.m. 

Sunset at Wood’s Cove

Catching the sunset in Laguna Beach is a must, and the best place to do so is Wood’s Cove. The dreamy pink, purple and orange colors over the Pacific Ocean are nothing but magical. Wood’s Cove is a secluded destination with a quaint beach located off of Diamond Street and PCH. You may get a high tide during sunset, but you’ll get a beautiful sunset view from the stairs. Plus, the walk down to the beach through the lush greenery is so worth it, too. 

 

7 p.m.

Dinner at Cabana

New to town, Cabana is a dining destination providing elevated Mexican cuisine, along with fire dancers and live DJs. Take a seat at the bar—you might just meet a new friend or two at this beachfront fiesta, where the vibes are high and the cocktails are exquisite. Start with Wagyu sliders and the signature Mango Mezcal Margarita before indulging in the seaside-inspired Branzino Medley.

 

9 p.m. 

Sweet Treat at South Swell Ice Cream

Last but certainly not least, the rules for a solo day state that it has to end with ice cream. It’s just the way it goes! With trendy details like a checkered-print wall and light pink hues throughout, South Swell Ice Cream is the stylish ice cream shop Laguna Beach needed. Order the ice cream bar with toasted marshmallow before heading home and climbing into bed after a long, successful solo day.